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Dispensing pouch containing premeasured laundering compositions

  • US 4,659,496 A
  • Filed: 01/31/1986
  • Issued: 04/21/1987
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/31/1986
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. The method of packaging a mixed quantity of first and second distinct materials for subsequent release from the package in a phased sequence whereby substantially all of the first material but less than a majority of the second material will be automatically released from the package when the package and its contents are subjected to a first set of ambient conditions, and the majority of the second material will be automatically released from the package only when the package and its contents are subjected to a second set of ambient conditions, the first material being fully water soluble and the second material being no more than partially water soluble under the first set of ambient conditions, and the second material having a melting point which is above the temperatures normally encountered during the first set of ambient conditions but which is less than the temperatures encountered during the second set of ambient conditions, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (1) forming a pouch-like dispensing package from a porous fabric, with the porosity being selected to permit passage of water and of said second material when in its melted condition but to normally prevent passage of either of said first and second materials therethrough when said package is kept out of water and below the melting point of said second material;

    (2) forming a plurality of supplementary openings in said package, which openings are normally in a substantially closed condition wherein the minimum dimension of each of said openings is small enough relative to the form and dimensions of said first and second materials that no more than an insignificant amount of said first material and none of said second material will pass therethrough during normal handling of said package, said openings tending to remain in their substantially closed condition as a result of the natural lay of the fabric, the shape of said package, and the placement of said openings therein, but said openings tending to enlarge their minimum dimension when said package is exposed to the first set of ambient conditions, including simultaneous submergence in water, agitation and impact, the enlarged condition of said openings permitting an increased rate of water flow into and out of said package to effect complete dispensing of undissolved and dissolved portions of said first material from the package while still being small enough relative to the form and dimensions of said second material to prevent dispensing of said second material from said package; and

    (3) placing a desired mixture of said first and second materials into said package and closing said package except for said pores and supplementary openings.

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